In the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, Gujarat has topped the list in the country, and the number of rooftop solar connections in the state has reached the historic mark of 5 lakh. This is an accomplishment that makes Gujarat the champion in the execution of the drastic central government program that is to support clean and cheap energy in the homesteads.
The Union government introduced the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in order to promote residential rooftop solar systems in India. The scheme enables families to produce their own power by means of solar panels on rooftops, which will greatly cut down power bills. Mostly, the beneficiaries can access 300 units of free electricity monthly based on capacity and utilization.
Based on official statistics, the rooftop solar installations under the scheme in Gujarat have attained an overall installed capacity of around 1,900 megawatts, as a result of which the state is rapidly advancing towards the use in the field of renewable energy. The urban and rural regions have been very active, due to the simplified application forms and prompt payment of subsidies and the alignment of the state governments, DISCOMs and certified solar suppliers.
Energy officials cite the success of Gujarat to be due to the ground-level application, massive public awareness campaigns and the long-term emphasis of the state on renewable energy. The state of Gujarat has been a leader in solar power for more than ten years, and the reaction experienced to the PM Surya Ghar Yojana also proves its leadership in the clean energy market.
The program provides huge financial aid, and subsidies from the central government are directly deposited into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. This has reduced the initial cost of the solar systems, which makes the shift to renewable energy affordable to those who are middle-class and lower-income. Along with the economic savings, households also enjoy less usage of traditional electricity and guard against the increase in electricity tariffs.
The success also helps to advance the overall renewable energy targets and climate pledges of India, as it helps to contribute to less carbon emissions and to encourage sustainable generation. The national government is planning to provide one crore households in the country through the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, and the performance of Gujarat is regarded as an example to explore by other states.
The authorities think that as more people start using rooftop solar, they not only save money but also enhance the national power grid as a result of decreasing peak demand. The attainment of 5 lakh solar connections in Gujarat is a major milestone in achieving a more energy-secure and green future.
